Portland Adventist Academy (PAA) has a long tradition of physical fitness. Today's students and staff continue to demonstrate the importance of fitness by participating in the famous Portland Marathon.
The marathon weaves 26.6 miles over forested hills, across foggy bridges and through the streets. Among the 30,000 runners were two PAA students and one teacher.
Lauren Lewis, freshman, showed extraordinary discipline as she trained for the 2007 marathon. Lewis joined Vancouver Fit classes, which require early morning, heart-pounding runs every Sunday for over six months. "Her commitment is to be commended," says Linda Johnson, PAA assistant athletic director, who also participated in the marathon. "She is a great example of discipline."
Kristen Johnson, senior and daughter of Linda Johnson, ran the race with her mom to celebrate her 18th birthday. It proved to be a mother-daughter bonding journey. "As a parent I would highly recommend an event like this," says Johnson. "I can't think of another time I had my daughter's attention and conversation for more than six hours." Both mother and daughter say they plan to participate again.
Along the route family and friends cheered for Lewis and the Johnsons. Twelve PAA seniors were stationed at aid booths along the route. Also in the cheering stands was the Columbia Adventist Academy bell choir and friends from Big Lake Youth Camp.
Kristen Johnson, student; and Linda Johnson, mother and PAA assistant athletic director; finish the Portland Marathon.
Loren Lewis, Portland Adventist Academy student, completes the Portland 26.6 Mile Run.
Kristen Johnson, Portland Adventist Academy student, and Linda, her mother, run the Portland marathon.
